World Neurosurg
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In December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was discovered in Wuhan, Hubei province, from where it spread rapidly worldwide. COVID-19 characteristics (increased infectivity, rapid spread, and general population susceptibility) pose a great challenge to hospitals. Infectious disease, pulmonology, and intensive care units have been strengthened and expanded. ⋯ The profound effects on spine surgery call for systematic approaches to optimizing the diagnosis and treatment of spinal diseases. Based on the experience of one Italian region, we draw an archetype for assessing the current and predicted level of stress in the health care system, with the aim of enabling hospitals to make better decisions during the pandemic. Further, we provide a framework that may help guide strategies for adapting surgical spine care to the conditions of epidemic surge.
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As an essential component of minimally invasive spine surgery, endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) has continuously evolved and has been accepted as a practical procedure by the worldwide spine community. Especially for lumbar disc herniation (LDH), the percutaneous endoscopic or full-endoscopic discectomy technique has been scientifically proven through randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses to be a good alternative to open discectomy. The initial concept of endoscopic spine discectomy was concerned with indirect disc decompression using various instruments such as blind forceps, a nucleotome, laser, radiofrequency coblation, and some chemical agents. ⋯ Furthermore, the medical applications of ESS is broadening to include spinal stenosis, segmental instability, infection, and even intradural lesions. In this review article, I describe the history of endoscopic spine discectomy and decompression techniques, as well as evolution of the paradigm. This history may help indicate the future of practical ESS.
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Extradural anterior clinoidectomy is an important tool for neurovascular and skull base surgery. This technique is cardinal for expanding access to the proximal carotid artery, optic nerve, sella, and the central skull base. The goal of anterior clinoidectomy is to reveal the more proximal ophthalmic and clinoidal segments of the internal carotid artery (ICA) while skeletonizing the proximal optic nerve. This maneuver expands the opticocarotid and carotid-oculomotor windows and therefore the operative corridor to the interpeduncular cisterns; both the carotid artery and optic nerve are partially untethered or liberated and can be more safely mobilized.
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The pattern of recurrence of large trigeminal neurinomas is analyzed on the basis of experience with 7 cases. ⋯ The cases add further insight to the growth pattern and characteristics of large trigeminal neurinomas.
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The indications and contraindications to the endoscopic transforaminal approach for lumbar spinal stenosis are not well defined. ⋯ We recommend stratifying patients based on the underlying compressive disease and the skill level of the endoscopic spine surgeon to decide preoperatively whether more difficult central or complex foraminal stenotic lesions should be considered for alternative endoscopic approaches.